Bomnbardier says CSeries jet on track for end-June debut

June 02, 2013|Reuters

PARIS, June 2 (Reuters) - Canada's Bombardier isconfident it will be able to fly its new CSeries passenger jetby the end of June, a senior executive said on Sunday.

The first aircraft, which rolled out of the factory in greenprimer paint and is now under the control of flight test crew,is looking "great" for a June test sortie, Chet Fuller, seniorcommercial vice president, told reporters.

A maiden flight is considered important for sales of a newaircraft. The countdown coincides with the larger Airbus A350, which is expected to fly within weeks.

Fuller dismissed speculation of a flight timed to coincidewith the June 17-23 Paris Airshow, but said Bombardier would usethe showcase event to unveil a previously undisclosed customerfor the 110-seat version of the CSeries.